I read that yesterday Venator. Half a million making active plans to travel to Europe.
My first version read 'invade Europe'. Emotive language, but in effect that is what this is. If they were all wearing any sort of uniform, they would be seen as an invading army. They are not, however, which makes it difficult, but the effect is the same. They have to be stopped.
My response has always been to rescue, if necessary, and take them straight back. This hasn't happened and, predictably, migrant numbers have increased. This is only a stop-gap measure and perhaps a combined naval operation is needed to form a barrier across the Med. - at which point no rescues should be undertaken (unpalatable, but inescapable) and that should be made very clear to would-be migrants before they set off. They all seem to have access to phones and social media. Expensive - and there will be harrowing stories - but it will be more expensive in the long run to do nothing and, put simply, there is a limit.